The Betting Perspective - HAM @ TOR

Hamilton (-4) @ Toronto: TOTAL 45.5

Post-Labour Day action in the Canadian Football League kicks off Friday night as the Argos and Ticats renew their rivalry once again.

The Ticats defense shined in Monday's Labour Day contest against the Argos, forcing Nick Arbuckle into two interceptions and eventually to the sideline for backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Hamilton have seemed to turn a corner after opening the year with two defeats on the road, the Ticats currently sit atop the East division standings at 2-2. Also, the quarterback situation in the steel city has certainly been ironed out, Dane Evans is the guy moving forward after back-to-back wins. Although Hamilton receivers Bralon Addison and DeVier Posey remain out with injuries, we're starting to see the depth wideouts for the Ticats put up some production. On Monday, both David Ungerer III and Tim White scored their first career touchdowns against the Argos.

The Argonauts clearly had momentum after a big home victory against Winnipeg on August 21st halted thanks to their Week 4 matchup getting postponed due to Covid-19. The Argos offensive line struggled against a Hamilton front that was finally healthy leading to quarterback Nick Arbuckle getting sacked three times and being pressured throughout the game. Toronto had some success with McLeod Bethel-Thompson late in the fourth quarter in Hamilton but the combination of a double-digit Ticats lead and the Argos going six-wide repeatedly as the clock ticked down led to the late-game touchdown. The Argos gameplan for consistent offensive success should be simple, they need their run game to prop up an incredible crop of receivers. Last week, the boatmen only ran the ball with their running backs 12 times for 46 yards and just three times in the second half due to the Argos trailing by multiple scores.

It's interesting the Ticats are more than a field goal favorite (-4) heading into Toronto, the Ticats were just -2.5 point favorites going into the Labour Day game. The adjustment should signify to bettors that the books believe the Ticats are trending back to their 2019 form, especially with Dane Evans playing as well as he has the last two weeks.

The lack of total adjustment is attractive, the game on Monday between these two clubs went over the total, yet, we've only seen the number rise about a point. In the last 7 games in Toronto between the Ticats and Argos, the over has cashed in 6 of those contests. Toronto is bound to have somewhat of an offensive rebound and if Dane Evans can keep anywhere close to the efficiency from a few days ago, things bode well for another high total.

Let's roll with the over for the second week in a row.

Pick: Over 45.5